If there were one band that I constantly refer back to when skimming through my music library, Death Cab for Cutie would be it. After hearing the song, ‘A Lack of Color,’ back in 2004, I finally thought I found a band that understood exactly what I was feeling through song.
Although this is not a powerhouse rock band that belts lyrics and smashes guitars on stage, I guarantee you will be blown away by their music.
Back in 1997, guitarist Ben Gibbard embarked on a solo project while with his band, Pinwheel, which soon developed into what would become the beginning of Death Cab. Recording under the pseudonym, All-Time Quarterback, Gibbard released a cassette entitled, ‘You Can Play These Songs with Cords,’ and soon received unexpected news that critics liked his work.
With that, he began looking to expand the band, adding Chris Walla on guitar, Nick Harmer as bass guitarist and Nathan Good on drums.
Unlike other artists that focused on their pop image and unprecedented record sales in the 90’s, the band’s vision was to put out quality music that they believed in, regardless of their success.
Over the next several years the band struggled to find their harmony as musicians, replacing their drummer twice after finally settling on Jason McGerr.
Despite their initial problems to find the right rhythm, Death Cab would put out four records before 2004. Unfortunately, they still remained primarily on the radar of the independent music scene.
In 2004 the band finally signed a deal with Atlantic Records that brought them their much-needed mainstream recognition. Death Cab continued recording and, in 2005, released their Grammy nominated album, ‘Plans.’
One of the band’s most noted tracks, ‘I Will Follow You Into the Dark,’ was included on this album and helped define them as mainstream, yet indie artists.
‘If Heaven and Hell decide that they both are satisfied, illuminate the NOs on their vacancy signs. If there’s no one beside you when your soul embarks, then I’ll follow you into the dark.’
After a lengthy tour in 2006 the band decided to take some time off and refocus their energy on their next album.
Before the release of ‘Narrow Stairs,’ in May 2008, many critics doubted the band’s new album and thought after their long hiatus fans would not approve of their rejuvenated sound.
Luckily for the band, fans responded exceedingly well, taking the album to the number one spot on the Billboard Top 200.
On Tuesday, the Grammy nominated band released their latest EP entitled ‘The Open Door,’ less than a year after their last album, ‘Narrow Stairs,’ debuted. Adding a bit flare to their trademark sound, fans are sure to fall in love with them once again.
Although the EP is quite short, with only four new songs and a demo version of their track, ‘Talking Birds’ the band decided to release the tracks anyways as a continuation of sorts from their latest album.
The first track from the EP, ‘Little Bribes,’ was actually originally titled ‘Casino Blues, but was later changed after the band felt it didn’t quite fit the ‘Death Cab’ vibe.
‘You said this city has a beating heart that pushes people down the boulevard and they’re all hoping for a wish fulfilled in a desert for a dollar bill.’
What I think is so interesting about this band is that through lyrics of solemn and remorse, they show an appealing angle of their emotions which is hard to find anywhere else.
Combining upbeat rhythms with depressing lyrics, the contrast in their music is what I feel, gives them their edge.
While the band has certainly developed over their twelve years, by the looks of it, Death Cab for Cutie will never die.
To find more from Death Cab for Cutie, go to http://www.deathcabforcutie.com or http://www.myspace.com/deathcabforcutie.
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